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Germany And France Joins Finland, Italy, Malta, Denmark, Croatia, Hungary, And More As Belarus Extends Visa-Free Travel For Thirty-Eight European Nations: Latest Travel Update You Should Know
Belarus has extended its visa-free travel program for 38 European countries, including Germany, France, Finland, Italy, and Malta, through 2026, to enhance tourism and strengthen ties with its European neighbors. This move simplifies travel for millions of Europeans, encouraging more visits to the country while fostering greater international cooperation. With this extension, Belarus is not only boosting its tourism sector but also aligning with broader efforts to make the country more accessible and open to international visitors, marking a significant step in its goal to increase global tourism.
In an exciting development for international travelers, Belarus has decided to extend its visa-free travel program for citizens of 38 European countries through 2026. Initially launched in July 2024, the program allowed citizens of select European nations to travel freely to Belarus without the need for a visa. This extension not only makes travel easier for Europeans but also aligns with Belarus’s growing efforts to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
Extended Visa-Free Travel: A Welcome Change for European Travelers
The Belarusian government’s decision to extend the visa-free travel program reflects the country’s desire to attract more international visitors and boost its tourism sector. This move also showcases Belarus’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Europe. The new extension, set to run through December 31, 2026, provides travelers with ample time to explore Belarus without the administrative burden of visa applications.
Who Can Benefit from the Visa-Free Program?
The extended visa-free program applies to the citizens of 38 European countries. Those eligible can travel to Belarus for tourism, business, or transit without needing a visa, as long as they possess a valid passport. The initiative is expected to simplify travel for millions of Europeans and encourage more tourism and cultural exchanges between Belarus and its European neighbors.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the program:
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of 38 European countries can enter Belarus visa-free.
- Duration of Stay: Most travelers are permitted to stay up to 30 days per visit. However, citizens from Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia (including non-citizens) can stay for up to 90 days.
- Transit: Travelers can transit through Belarus to other destinations, as long as they are not heading to Russia.
- Multiple Entries: The program allows unlimited entries, provided that the total stay does not exceed 90 days per calendar year.
- Exclusions: Diplomatic or service passport holders are excluded, with exceptions for biometric diplomatic passport holders from the EU.
Boosting Belarus’s Tourism and International Appeal
The visa-free program has already proven to be a success. Since its initial launch, more than 1.2 million Europeans have visited Belarus under this scheme. Most visitors have come from neighboring countries, but the program has also attracted travelers from a diverse array of European nations.
Here’s a look at the top countries contributing to the flow of visitors to Belarus in 2024:
| Country | Number of Visitors |
|---|---|
| Latvia | 399,842 |
| Lithuania | 658,575 |
| Poland | 130,089 |
| Other European Countries | 54,845 |
In 2025 alone, over 210,000 travelers from these 38 European countries have already visited Belarus, highlighting the program’s growing success. Belarusian authorities are hopeful that the extension will continue to draw large numbers of visitors, particularly from countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.
What’s New in 2025: Belarus’s E-Visa System
Alongside the extension of the visa-free program, Belarus has launched an e-visa system to further simplify travel for international visitors. Starting in March 2025, travelers from 67 countries worldwide can now apply for an e-visa to visit Belarus. The system has been particularly popular among travelers from the United States, Canada, Japan, and several European countries.
The Belarusian government is particularly enthusiastic about the e-visa program as it opens the country up to a broader international audience. As of mid-2025, around 1,500 e-visas have already been issued, demonstrating a solid interest in visiting Belarus beyond just European nations.
Key Countries for E-Visa Applications:
- United States
- Germany
- Japan
- Canada
- Italy
- France
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Spain
This dual approach—visa-free travel for certain European countries and e-visa access for others—reflects Belarus’s desire to streamline its visa processes and position itself as a more accessible destination for global tourists.
Full List of Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Travel to Belarus
The extension of the visa-free program now includes a comprehensive list of 38 European countries. Travelers from these nations can benefit from the convenience of not needing a visa to visit Belarus, with the conditions mentioned above. Here’s the complete list:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia (including stateless persons permanently residing there)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- North Macedonia
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
This comprehensive list showcases Belarus’s broad reach in attracting European travelers. By continuing to make travel easier for such a large group of countries, Belarus is positioning itself as a central destination for cultural exploration, business exchanges, and leisure tourism.
Visa-Free Travel Conditions and Exceptions
Most citizens of these 38 countries can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa. However, there are some specific exceptions:
- Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia: Citizens from these countries (including those with Latvia’s non-citizen status) are allowed to stay up to 90 days.
- No Limit on Entries: Travelers can enter and exit Belarus as many times as they want within the validity period, as long as their total time spent in the country does not exceed 90 days per calendar year.
- Transit Policy: The visa-free travel also permits transit, provided the traveler is not heading to Russia.
Promoting Belarus as a Top Travel Destination
This move is part of a broader strategy by Belarus to open its doors to international travelers and showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming environment. From its medieval castles to the untouched natural beauty of its national parks, Belarus is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both short visits and longer stays.
In addition to attracting more visitors, the government is also focusing on improving tourism infrastructure and services. New hotels, transport links, and tourist facilities are being developed, and the tourism industry is set to benefit from the growing influx of European travelers.
The Future of Travel to Belarus
As the visa-free program continues to attract large numbers of visitors, Belarus is also working to enhance its reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. With the growing popularity of Belarusian culture, food, and historical sites, the country is becoming a more prominent feature on the European travel map.
The introduction of the e-visa system complements the visa-free program by offering more flexibility for travelers from countries outside the European Union. Whether it’s a short cultural trip, a business visit, or a longer stay, Belarus is making it easier than ever for people to experience its offerings.
The extension of Belarus’s visa-free program for 38 European countries through 2026 is a significant milestone for the country’s tourism industry. It simplifies travel for millions of European travelers, offering a smooth and hassle-free way to visit Belarus. With the addition of the e-visa system for global travelers, Belarus is opening its doors to the world and making travel more accessible than ever.
Belarus has extended its visa-free travel program for 38 European countries, including Germany, France, Finland, Italy, and Malta, through 2026 to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties with Europe. This move simplifies travel for millions, enhancing accessibility and fostering greater international cooperation.
For those planning to visit Belarus, it’s important to note the stay durations, the countries eligible for the program, and the requirements for transit and multiple entries. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, this new development is an exciting opportunity to explore Belarus without the need for a traditional visa.
The post Germany And France Joins Finland, Italy, Malta, Denmark, Croatia, Hungary, And More As Belarus Extends Visa-Free Travel For Thirty-Eight European Nations: Latest Travel Update You Should Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.